"If possible, I hope to secure a spot in next year's world championship."

Xu Zi smiled faintly as she spoke these words.

Yu Shao looked at Xu Zi with some surprise.

In his impression, Xu Zi was someone who kept her thoughts hidden. For her to openly express her aspirations like this was quite unlike her.

Not only that, but Xu Zi's earlier sharp teasing of Zheng Qin had also completely taken Yu Shao off guard.

Lately, Xu Zi seemed to have quietly changed in subtle ways.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Xu Zi shot Yu Shao a glance and said, "Who wouldn't want to compete in the world championship and become the protagonist of the story?"

"Story?"

Yu Shao was momentarily puzzled.

"Yes, too many stories have unfolded in past world championships."

A nostalgic look appeared in Xu Zi's eyes as she continued, "Long ago, most people believed women could never produce top-tier Go players."

"Until Japanese female player Master Kojima Ritsuko burst onto the scene, dominating the world stage and defeating countless male players—including even former Japanese Kisei Master Seto Koshi and his teacher—shocking the world."

"But against Masters Zhao Zhengyang and Sun Shangxun at their peak, Master Ritsuko could never claim the world championship title."

"Then came one tournament where Master Ritsuko went undefeated, successively defeating both Masters Zhao Zhengyang and Sun Shangxun to reach the finals."

"Everyone thought Master Ritsuko would finally achieve her dream that year."

"But in the finals, she faced the then-newcomer Master An Hongshi."

"After five intense matches—with the first four all decided by half-point margins—Master Ritsuko suffered a crushing defeat in the fifth game, once again missing the world championship. She left the tournament in tears."

"Master Ritsuko never achieved such impressive results again. Three years later, she passed away from illness. On her deathbed, she said that with Master An Hongshi around, she was destined never to win a world championship."

Hearing this, Le Haoqiang couldn't help but sigh: "When Master Ritsuko said those words, there was certainly some resentment. But more than resentment, it was probably regret, wasn't it?"

Discussing this piece of history left everyone feeling rather emotional.

Even Yu Shao, hearing this story unique to this world's Go players, couldn't help but feel moved.

Such was the cruelty of Go—strength reigned supreme, survival of the fittest. Even giving one's all didn't guarantee satisfactory returns.

"And remember Master Kimura Go's three ghostly moves that achieved that stunning comeback against Master Lee Tae-hyung? That was absolutely unforgettable!"

"Master Park Jae-han's Cosmic Style—so bold and bloody—sweeping through the world championship was equally amazing!"

"Not to mention the epic ten-game match between Masters Zhuang Weisheng and An Hongshi at their peak—every single game moved people to tears!"

Everyone chimed in, discussing those world championship moments that remained vivid in their memories.

Listening to the conversation, Yu Shao subtly glanced at Xu Zi.

Among all the countless stories from world championships, Xu Zi had specifically chosen to talk about Kojima Ritsuko's story. It was clear what she was really thinking about—

Becoming the first female Go world champion.

That would be no ordinary challenge.

"In short, the world championship stage has witnessed countless tales of love and hate. Almost every tournament leaves deep impressions—some stories get your blood pumping, others move you to tears."

Zheng Qin smiled, suddenly full of emotion: "Our country may be big, but in the global context, it's small. The world championship is where Go players truly prove themselves—it's never disappointed."

"Damn it!"

Le Haoqiang couldn't help but curse: "The more you talk, the more jealous I get."

Then he clasped his hands together in prayer: "Buddha bless me, God bless me, Guanyin bless me! Let me join the next world championship!"

"I really want to compete against players from around the world!"

Hearing this, Zheng Qin couldn't help but gloat: "What's wrong with just participating? Some people can't even do that!"

"What are you so smug about?"

Le Haoqiang rolled his eyes: "I'm building momentum! Once I make it to the world championship, I'm aiming for the top 16!"

As they walked and talked, the group soon arrived at an elegantly decorated hot pot restaurant. They took their seats and enthusiastically began ordering.

"By the way,"

Zheng Qin suddenly remembered something after ordering and turned to Yu Shao mysteriously: "Yu Shao, did you know the recent Go ranking tournament concluded? There's someone you know among them."

Yu Shao was taken aback—he hadn't paid any attention to the ranking tournament, not even knowing when it started or ended.

As for someone he knew...

Yu Shao quickly realized: "Zhuang Fei?"

"Haha, correct."

Zheng Qin nodded with a teasing smile: "Teacher Zhuang Weisheng's son actually failed to rank last year—all thanks to you."

"Don't blame me."

Yu Shao shook his head righteously: "After falling to the losers' bracket, he had chances to recover. His failure last year should be blamed on Fang Haoxin!"

Hearing this, Wu Zhixuan suddenly remembered something: "Speaking of Fang Haoxin, he's been performing exceptionally well lately—almost undefeated in the Jisheng matches, only losing two games!"

"This year Zhuang Fei ranked with a perfect record."

Zheng Qin stroked his chin: "And they say his skills are extraordinary—winning every game by mid-game with no real opponents. After officially becoming a professional, he'll probably seek revenge against Fang Haoxin."

Then Zheng Qin looked up at Le Haoqiang with a serious expression: "So, feeling the pressure yet, Xiao Le?"

Caught off guard, Le Haoqiang was stunned.

Recovering, he widened his eyes angrily: "Damn it, Zheng Qin! What do you mean?! You think those two could catch up to me?!"

"I didn't say that."

Zheng Qin put on an innocent face, shaking his head: "You said it yourself."

Everyone couldn't help but laugh.

"Speaking of which, now that the ranking tournament is over, the Torch Battle should be starting soon, right?"

Wu Zhixuan blinked and suddenly thought of something, turning to Yu Shao: "Yu Shao, if you accept the Torch Battle invitation, is there a chance you might be paired as Zhuang Fei's opponent's partner?"

Yu Shao was stunned by the question, as was everyone else.

Yu Shao as Zhuang Fei's opponent's partner?

They hadn't considered this possibility before, but now that Wu Zhixuan mentioned it...

It actually made sense!

Zhuang Fei's partner would likely be Zhuang Weisheng—father and son teaming up. And if Yu Shao agreed to participate in the Torch Battle, he really might end up as Zhuang Fei's opponent's partner!

"Holy shit?"

Le Haoqiang's expression turned strange: "Facing the same opponent you played against evenly a year ago, but now in completely different roles?"

"Yu Shao!"

Wu Zhixuan suddenly slammed the table excitedly, clearly looking forward to the drama: "You must participate in the Torch Battle! You must! Tell Chairman Ma you want to be Zhuang Fei's opponent's partner!"

"Yes! Absolutely!"

The others, equally entertained, became excited: "You have to join the Torch Battle! Winning a title in your first year but not participating would make the title meaningless!"

"My title becomes meaningless if I don't join the Torch Battle?"

Yu Shao looked utterly baffled, shaking his head in refusal: "Forget it, I—"

"I'm afraid you can't forget it."

Zheng Qin thought for a moment and said seriously: "I've heard that first-time title holders—to encourage new players—must participate in that year's Torch Battle if they don't have upcoming matches."

"Huh?"

Yu Shao was completely stunned.

Since when was that a rule?

"With the title comes responsibility. As they say, heavy is the head that wears the crown."

Zheng Qin patted Yu Shao's shoulder solemnly: "Yu Shao, though you're only seventeen, you're already a player who must pass Go's torch to the next generation!"

......

......

Meanwhile, in California, USA.

"They should watch how Su Yiming and I play."

A slim, handsome blond man in his early twenties with round glasses read media reports on his computer, smiling: "I feel insulted."

"He's earned the right to say that."

A voice came from beside him—none other than Ma Dong, one of America's seven major Go title holders who had led the team to China for the challenge matches.

"Ma Dong, I never said he hadn't. Aren't I watching his matches with Su Yiming?"

The blond man shook his head with a smile: "If anyone else said that, I'd think them arrogant. But after seeing these Twin Stars Cup games, all I can say is—yes, I really should watch more."

"More and more talented young players are emerging from China."

Ma Dong frowned: "If it were just Yu Shao and Su Yiming, that would be manageable. But with Zheng Qin, Qin Lang, Le Haoqiang, and Che Wenyu all showing limitless potential..."

"And I've heard this year's newly ranked Chinese players include geniuses like Zhuang Weisheng's son Zhuang Fei, plus Yuan Jing and He Yu."

Ma Dong looked worried, sighing: "Meanwhile, among our newly ranked players, we haven't seen similarly promising talent. Though Zeng Jun shows potential, he's nowhere near Yu Shao or Su Yiming's level."

"Don't worry—you've got me."

The blond man shrugged nonchalantly: "Overall national Go strength matters, but not much. A country's Go level is determined by its strongest player—that's all that counts."

Ma Dong disagreed but didn't argue, instead asking skeptically: "So, are you confident you can beat Yu Shao and Su Yiming?"

"Nope."

The blond man answered frankly.

This response left Ma Dong speechless for a long moment.

"But didn't he say we should watch how he and Su Yiming play?"

The blond man looked at the computer screen, smiling: "I think he's absolutely right. Just one viewing has taught me so much—I really should watch more."

"Sigh..."

Ma Dong could only shake his head helplessly.

"Andy, you've improved dramatically this year. Even at my best, beating you would be extremely difficult. But one strong player isn't enough—others need to keep up."

Ma Dong continued: "Right now, no one can keep up with you—not even Zeng Jun. Those new players are Go's future."

"Go's future?"

Andy smiled, standing up to pat the computer, his expression turning serious: "I think Go's future lies here."

This statement stunned Ma Dong.

"Go is too complex. Human capability has limits—no one can uncover Go's ultimate truths in a lifetime."

Andy adjusted his glasses: "That leaves only data and code."

"Andy, are you insane?"

Ma Dong shook his head: "Go's possible variations number between 10^170 to 10^808—the observable universe only contains about 10^80 atoms."

"Meaning Go's possibilities exceed all atoms in the universe!"

"Computers could never calculate all Go variations. Tech companies have tried making Go programs before—they can't even beat amateur players, let alone professionals."

Andy shook his head: "We don't need exhaustive calculation."

"No exhaustive calculation?"

Ma Dong found this absurd: "Go requires overall strategic vision—something computers inherently lack. Without that, they'd need exhaustive calculation, which is impossible."

"Computers have solved countless games, but Go is different. After four thousand years, humans still haven't unraveled its black-and-white mysteries."

"That's Go's charm."

Andy didn't dispute Ma Dong's points, smiling: "You're right, Master Ma Dong."

"But what if we created a neural network giving Go software intuition? Input all historical game records, letting it see the entire 'tree' of possibilities before calculating move probability distributions?"

"Then perhaps software could develop strategic vision."

Ma Dong frowned deeper, shaking his head: "I still think it's impossible. Intuition is uniquely human—strategic vision carries strong emotional elements."

"If computers gain strategic vision, wouldn't that mean they've developed emotions? How? And inputting all historical records for move probability calculations would be astronomically complex."

Andy stretched: "Master Ma Dong, I too find the idea of computers developing intuition somewhat far-fetched."

"Maybe it won't work. But shouldn't we try? Failure brings little loss, while success offers tremendous benefits."

Andy stroked his chin: "I've accepted Apollo Tech's invitation to serve as their Go consultant." Find the newest release on NoveIＦire.net

"The project has begun—progress is slow with numerous challenges. Even if successful, it won't happen overnight. But... it's worth attempting."

"After our challenge match losses, the government invested heavily—it's practically a national project now."

"Apollo Tech agreed that if successful, the technology won't be commercialized immediately—instead going to professional players for training first."

"If successful, it might become our nation's strongest player—with us holding the keys to Go's holy temple."

"We'll decide who enters."

"That's why I said a country's Go level depends on its strongest player."

"But more importantly..."

"What if—just what if—Go's ultimate truths lie within?"

"Let's try."

Andy exhaled, turning to Ma Dong: "Master Ma Dong, as a Go player, don't you want to know Go's answers?"

"That which has eluded humanity for four thousand years—that which has captivated millions, kept countless pondering at boards yet never fully grasped—"

Andy's gaze sharpened as he paused, then said softly:

"Go's ultimate truths."